Miller Helps Blues to 2-1 Victory over Avalanche

DENVER (AP)–Ryan Miller stopped 26 shots, and David Backes broke up a scoreless game in the second period, helping the St. Louis Blues beat the surging Colorado Avalanche 2-1 Saturday in a Central Division showdown.Patrik Berglund added a pivotal insurance goal early in the third period as the Blues won their fourth straight.

Colorado finally solved Miller midway through the final period when P.A. Parenteau lifted a shot over him while he was trying for his first shutout in nearly two years. Miller is 4-0 since being acquired from Buffalo.

Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon had his point streak snapped at 13 games. It is the NHL’s longest streak by an 18-year-old player.

Miller withstood a furious rally by the Avalanche in the final two minutes after they pulled goalie Semyon Varlamov.